Assembly passes SB 101 after hours of debate over Medi‑Cal, Prop 36 and high‑speed rail funding

SACRAMENTO — The California State Assembly approved Senate Bill 101, a budget bill, on third reading May 29 after more than an hour of floor debate over health‑care coverage, voter‑approved Proposition 36 funding, wildfire prevention and high‑speed rail financing. The roll call showed Ayes 57, Nos 19; the measure passed and was immediately transmitted to the Senate.

The vote followed a separate, earlier procedural roll call on an effort to adopt floor amendments offered by Assemblymember Sanchez; that motion to lay the amendments on the table passed Ayes 43, Nos 18. Assemblymembers on both sides of the aisle described the budget as imperfect but consequential, with supporters saying it preserves core services and opponents warning it risks cuts to vulnerable Californians.

Assemblymember Gabriel, chair of the Assembly Budget Committee, presented the bill and framed it as the product of extensive hearings and compromise. "We have had 68 hearings in the budget committee to arrive at this moment," Gabriel said, thanking subcommittee chairs and staff. He described the package as balancing compassion and fiscal responsibility while…